november 2014 issue 8 -...

November 2014 Issue 8 www.nhspa.nsw.edu.au

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RELIEVING PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

STAFF CHANGES THIS TERM On behalf of the school community I would like to welcome and congratulate Chris Miller, HT Music and Elise Reynolds, HT PDHPE/Sport on their appointments to the school executive team. YEAR 12 students finish their HSC exams on Wednesday 5th November. After the final exam, the school would like to invite all students to a celebration BBQ a week later on 12th November. This day provides students with an opportunity to return textbooks and school equipment, pay outstanding school contributions, donate any items of uniform to the uniform pool and complete leavers forms. Once this process is completed students can collect portfolios including their school reference and celebrate the end of their schooling with each other and their teachers. The BBQ will be held in the Studio Theatre forecourt and green space around 12.30pm. YEAR 11 students received their Yearly reports on 31st October during meetings with their curriculum advisers. The discussions were centred on student achievement, HSC goals, HSC course patterns of study and strategies to ensure continued improvement. Students were advised to continue with 12 units if they are not sure of their final pattern of study. Advice should be sought from parents, teachers and current Year 12 students before a final decision is made or wait until the first assessments have been completed. Students will be given permission to drop their nominated courses after they have completed the documentation including obtaining permission from parents and returning faculty textbooks. SCHOOL PLAN 2015-2017 The school planning process is well underway. After the community consultation at the school forum held in May, the executive attended a conference to write a draft plan which included all the priorities identified by the community. The executive continues to refine the plan. A focus group of parents Tony Ryan and Anna Nettheim, students Jessica Black and Lewis Mosley and head teachers Belinda Scanlan and Joanne Cormack-Parker made a valuable and significant contribution by writing the vision statement and reviewing the strategic directions and purpose. This month, the school plan will be a focus topic at the P&C meeting, a teacher staff meeting and SRC meeting to provide further input from parents, teachers and students. SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2015 Late last term in incoming prefects participated in an induction day led by Stephen Gray to set goals for 2015 and to elect the school captains. I am very proud to announce Jessica Black and Ethan Pooley are our new school captains for 2015. I look forward to working with them over the next twelve months. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS The achievements of our students should be acknowledged and celebrated. Many of our students have been nominated for inclusion in Callback, a presentation of outstanding HSC Dance works. They include Sumire Antonioli, Emily Caws, Jemma D’Ermilio, Joseph Donovan, Nelson Earl, Ashley Elder, Isabella Fulton, Jessica Goodfellow, Tahnee Hanley, Chelsea Hendrey, Monique Holmes, Kate Leinert, Aaron Matheson-Buick, Cassidy McDermott-Smith, Caitlin McKay, Tara Middleton, Billie Moffat, Callum Mooney, Zoe Mulhern, Emily O’Keeffe, Grace Parnell, Hannah Pike, Hannah Platts, Bronte Raubinger, Oliver Savariego, Melissa Smith, Annie Smits, Hayley Stanton, Kara Valente, Amanda Weekes and Kazu Yoshino. The music students nominated for ENCORE include Alfie Carslake, Nelson Earl, Emma Gibson, Lyla Levy-Jordan and Eve McEwen. The drama students nominated for On-Stage include Toby Blome, Jonty Davies-Conyngham,Madeleine Sullivan, Hannah Meegan, Lani Castle, Sameera Patoor-Brah, Beau Trengrove, Amelia Kimball, Kelsi Boyden, Nelson Earl and Yazmin Bradley. Congratulations to these talented and committed Year 12 students on their nominations.

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RELIEVING PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Continued...

Our Mock Trial team has qualified for the semi-finals. The team including Jadzea Allen, Lois Armstrong, Jessica Black, Laura Stewart, Mia Turnbull-Walsh and Jared Ziegler advanced to the quarter finals with a win over Sydney Girls. They took on last year’s winners, Chevalier College and were again successful to advance to the semi-finals. Whilst they were extremely nervous they displayed a quiet confidence to emerge victorious. Congratulations to Jonathan Parnham and the team on their outstanding achievements. PARENT CONTRIBUTIONS Working Bee: The annual school working bee was very productive this year with a large turn-out of parents and students to assist with weeding, mulching, cleaning and painting. On behalf of the community I would like to thank John Caley for his co-ordination of this event and parents and students for their work. War Memorial Gate: Thanks to Darren Mitchell for his work in successfully applying for a grant to install a gate connecting the school to the War Memorial. It will be used for the first time when our school prefects and SRC leaders represent NHSPA at ceremony on Remembrance Day organised by RSL leaders. SHOWCASE SUMMER SERIES The highlight of term 4 promises to be our Showcase Summer Series. Tuesday 18th November is opening night with a multi venue concert experience with performances in St Georges Hall, Studio Theatre and outdoors. Thursday 20th November is Summer at St Georges with a night of music performances. Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November is Summer at the Studio with two nights of drama. Thursday 27th November is a night of music soloists and Showcase elective performances. Wednesday 3rd December is Summer at the Seymour Dance Concert. Thursday 4th December is Summer at the Studio with Music performances. Friday 12th December is the Summer at the Seymour Finale Concert, a spectacular night to close the season. Tickets for school based concerts are available online through the link on our website. Tickets for the Seymour Centre Concerts can be purchased directly through the box office, phone 93517940 or through their website www.seymourcentre.com.au We look forward to celebrating the talents of our students and hope to see you at these special events.

Peter Shields Relieving Principal

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DEPUTY PRINCIPALS’ PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Welcome back to term 4 YEAR 12 Year 12 began the HSC examinations on 13th October which continues through until 5th November. All the students have appeared prepared and have approached each exam in a positive manner. We wish them all the very best of luck over this very important time and we are looking forward to some outstanding results over the coming weeks. I would like to thank the parents of our Year 12 students for the support they have offered their children over this challenging year. I am aware and appreciate that parenting during the HSC year is often a stressful and difficult task. I would also like to reflect on the effort and dedication displayed by every teacher who taught a Year 12 class in 2014. Teachers undertake the HSC every year with their students and I would like to thank our Year 12 teachers for the guidance and support they have provided each of the students in their classes during this HSC year. We look forward to seeing all Year 12 on Wednesday 12th November at the sign-out BBQ to celebrate the end of the HSC and their school life. YEAR 11 TRANSITION INTO HSC COURSES Year 11 has started HSC studies this term and all students have received the assessment booklets and calendar for 2014/15. It is extremely important that students read the contents of the booklet and are aware of their assessment commitments and the processes to follow in regard to illness/misadventure or applying for an extension. Parent support and encouragement is most important and it is recommended that you are aware of the assessment information contained in the package. The acknowledgment of receipt of the assessment documents is to be signed by student and parent and returned to Year Advisers, Mr Atkinson or Ms Rosier-Staines. Classes will be working hard up until the end of term working on their HSC course work. SENIOR STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOPS Year 11 participated in the Elevate Study Skills workshop on Thursday 30th October. This was to assist our senior students further develop skills in a range of areas including time management, note taking strategies, revision skills and exam preparation. It was a highly productive and successful workshop and techniques used will ensure that students use these study skills to make a tangible difference to their results. YEAR 11 REPORTS Reports for students in Year 11 were issued on 31st October during a meeting with their Curriculum Advisers. Students by now may be in a position to decide their pattern of study in the HSC year. It is advised not to make a hasty decision if unsure and instead, maintain 12 units until later in the term or even next year. Some students have already made decisions to drop a course. Once the documentation has been completed students will be issued with updated timetables and will be invited to the library or learning centre to work independently during study periods. All Year 11 students are expected to be at school for the entire school day. YEAR 10 Year 10 are currently completing the final assessment tasks this month. These tasks and the other tasks described in the assessment booklet that have been completed throughout the year contribute towards their Record of School Achievement (ROSA). It is important all tasks have been completed to at least a satisfactory standard and if any N determination letters have been issued, the tasks described in the letters must be completed and redeemed. Classes for Year 10 will continue up until the end of the school year and students are expected to attend all lessons. In class, they will complete their Year 10 courses, the mandatory “All my own work” modules and follow programs designed to develop skills in preparation for senior schooling.

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DEPUTY PRINCIPALS’ PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Continued…

YEARS 7, 8 AND 9 Years 7, 8 and 9 are currently studying for their final assessment tasks for the year. It is important they develop a study plan and are well prepared for these tasks. The afternoon study centre is open in the Library every Monday and Wednesday afternoons until 5pm if students need support and advice from teachers. In the post assessment period students will continue to working in class to complete their course work up until the end of term. Preparations for the 2015 timetable are well underway with students in Years 7, 8 and 10 finalising their choices for elective courses. If your child is considering changing their pattern of course study, a supporting letter from a parent is necessary. DIGITAL WORKSHOPS On Tuesday 21st October all Year 8 students participated in the Digital Insight workshop. This workshop allowed students to be given vital information in becoming discerning internet users. Concepts covered included information security, online business models and terms and conditions. On Tuesday 28th October all Year 9 students participated in the Digital Impact workshop. The workshop helped them better identify the effect they have on themselves and others when socialising online. Concepts covered included intention and impact, online identity and defending friends. SHOWCASE ‘SUMMER SERIES’ Rehearsals for the Schools Spectacular and our Showcase Summer Series are also well underway. Many of our students are participating in these events and managing assessment tasks and examinations too. It is a credit to those students who display enormous commitment and dedication to their academic studies and creative arts. Congratulations to all students and staff for their outstanding contributions to these events. The opening night of the Showcase Summer Series will be on Tuesday 18th November. It promises to be an extravaganza with an Art exhibition and Music and Dance performances in St Georges Hall, Drama performances in Studio Theatre and Drama and Music performances in the outdoors. The Showcase Hospitality students, under the guidance of Diane Aynsley will be serving delicious savouries and a variety of cakes during the outdoors performances. The Showcase season continues on 20th November with a Music night in St Georges Hall. In Week 8 there are two nights of Drama in the Studio Theatre on 25th and 26th November and a night of music soloists and Showcase elective performances on 27st November. Our season culminates with the Dance Showcase and the Showcase Finale Concert to be held at the Seymour Centre on 3rd and 12th December. Tickets will be on sale from the Seymour centre website. There is also a Music night in the Studio Theatre on the 4th December. The program for the “Summer Series” is outstanding and we would like to recognise the commitment and professionalism of the performing arts staff, who continue to work so tirelessly at this time of year to ensure that our students have such performance opportunities. We would like to also recognise and thank our P&C who offer continued support during the showcase season and the technical crew under the leadership of David Ferguson who work behind the scenes each day and night to maintain a very professional production. We look forward to seeing parents and students at our concerts over the coming weeks.

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BYOD PARENT SURVEY FOR PARENTS We would like Year 9 parents to take part in our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Survey. We would like your feedback on the current BYOD program that was implemented this year. Your feedback will allow us to make any necessary changes and further improve the program. Please be assured that absolute confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained in gathering and processing your responses. Thank you in advance for your participation and feedback. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/nhspa-byod-parents ORIENTATION DAYS Later this term we will have the opportunity to welcome to the school our entire Year 7 cohort for 2015 on Wednesday 3rd December. Our new intake of audition students for Year 11 2014 will have their orientation day on Monday 1st December. It is always a pleasure to meet the parents, carers and students who have chosen Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and I would like to officially welcome them all to our vibrant school community. PEER SUPPORT LEADERS CAMP 60 Year 9 students travelled to “The Tops” conference centre at Stanwell Tops to participate in the Peer Support Training on Monday 21st October-Wednesday 23rd October. The students were highly engaged and motivated over the three days and their behaviour was impeccable. The trainers and camp personnel both commented on how impressed they were with our students and recognised the leadership potential evident amongst the students. All the teachers who attended the camp also agreed that the quality of peer support leaders this year was outstanding. The final list of peer support leaders for 2014 will be announced soon and I am confident that the transition of our 2014 Year 7 students will certainly be enhanced as a result of the peer support program and the quality of the peer leaders running this program. A very big thank you must go to Jeremy Atkinson for his organisation of this initiative and to Diane Aynsley, Victor Woolley, Cathy Spirovska and Jack Taylor for attending the camp over its duration. ASSESSMENT TASKS This time of the term is a busy assessment period for all of our students. Many students have already completed key assessment tasks in all subjects. The student grades that appear in their semester 2 reports reflect the outcomes assessed in these tasks and for our Year 9 and 10 students will meet with their curriculum advisors later in the term to review their progress and personal best targets set in semester 1. Semester 2 reports will be sent home at the end of this term. ORAL HEALTH HABITS SURVERY The school of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle are conducting a research project on oral health habits, knowledge and attitudes of adolescents. Our school has agreed to take part in this survey, although participation is not compulsory. The purpose of this research is to analyse the habits, knowledge and attitudes towards oral health of adolescents. Oral hygiene is often not considered as a high priority for adolescents, this can influence the knowledge and the development of behaviours conducive to good oral and general health later in life. It is fundamental to identify these habits in order to develop effective health promotion strategies and programs. Please see attached parent letter. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the survey, please complete, sign and return the slip at the earliest.

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DEADLY KIDS DOING WELL AWARDS Makaela Collins has been nominated for a Deadly Kids Doing Well Award. The awards will take place at the University of Technology on 14th November. This year we also have a Year 11 student, Akala Newman, who will be performing at the event. We would like to congratulate both these students on their achievements. We look forward to a very successful and positive last term of learning and activity for everyone in our community. We hope to see many parents over the next few weeks as we enter into our busy showcase period. As always we welcome the opportunity to discuss any of the events mentioned in this correspondence with you and we are also available to assist parents with any specific welfare or school matters.

The Deputy Principals Nilaufer Rajwar (Welfare, Years 8 and 11)

Leisa Munns (Teaching and Learning, Years 7 and 10) Rachel Mules (Curriculum, Years 9 and 12)

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P&C NEWS

The next P&C Meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 November at 6pm in the school common room. WORKING BEE Many thanks to all the parents and students who helped out at the annual working bee. Mulching, weeding, water blasting and other maintenance were carried out, giving the school a fresh spring makeover. Well done John Caley for organising such a successful day and also thanks to Jenni Wilkins for feeing the troops. ST GEORGES HALL UPGRADE At October’s P&C meeting a motion on notice was presented by the P&C’s Vice President Emma Walters in regards to a major upgrade of St Georges Hall that may involve significant funds drawn from the P&C body. Come along to 11 November’s meeting and have your say on how you think your money should be spent. P&C FACULTY GRANTS in 2013/2014 The P&C donated $36,176.78 for academic, welfare and sporting activities across a series of faculty grants to assist the school over 2013 and 2014. The faculty grants provided for up to $4000 to each non-performing arts faculties in the school, with the aim to support teachers to enhance the student learning experience. Achievements from these grants include:

Installation of five water bubblers outside the gymnasium, allowing students to access water during sports and PE classes in G Block. It also means that teachers now don’t need to open the change room every time students need to have a drink.

Funding for Year 9 students to attend two-day cross curricular excursion to Canberra in March 2014, which included visits to the Veolia BioReactor and Windfarm, CSIRO, National Botanical Gardens, Parliament House and Questacon. The teachers report that this excursion has had a positive impact on the welfare and connectedness of the Year 9 cohort.

Purchase of two programs for Maths: Edudata and Math type, both useful resources for maths teachers, particularly for preparing maths questions and revision tasks.

Five computers permanently set up in English teaching classrooms, allowing the teachers more time for teaching (rather than setting up a laptop and warming it up at the beginning of each teaching day).

Laminated wooden benches with metal leggings installed in the TAS room for housing the sewing machines. The new benches provide an ergonomic structure and safe workspace as the electrical cords are now safely secured and the benches are now stable.

Purchase of two new laptops for LOTE, allowing students increased access to online language resources such as Language Perfect.

Refurbishment of the new Learning Centre, allowing a flexible space for students to learn, study or spend quiet time. “Most grateful to the P&C for the support” - feedback from the Learning Centre staff.

In addition, a Year 7 History excursion will be running in week 4 of Term 4, 2014, partly supported by the faculty grants, and Science will be purchasing a GoPro camera for physics, to assist in the study of speed and time. PARENT EMAIL NETWORK (GOOGLE GROUPS) We encourage all parents to subscribe to our parent email network. This is a great way to receive information from the P&C and stay in touch with other parents (including getting questions answered and sharing information). To subscribe send a blank email to: [email protected] There is a googlegroups fact sheet on the P&C page of the school website. NHSPA PARENTS CONTACT MESSAGE BOARD

Follow this link for posting requests and ads for second hand uniform, instruments and equipment etc. http://nhspasecondhand.proboards.com/index.cgi?

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CAREERS — LEARNING CENTRE

Congratulations to our Graduating Year 2014, who have completed their HSC (unscathed). We wish them well in pursuing their dreams and look forward to hearing about the next part of their journey. For our new Year 12, your journey has just begun! Take every opportunity to participate in and experience all that is on offer for you from Universities as future students. UNSW have some exciting programs for you to explore.

Ula George Careers

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

I take this opportunity to welcome back staff, students and parents for what is sure to be another busy term in English here at NHSPA. While it is Term 4 and the school year is drawing to an end, the final school term is always a productive time of report writing, registration, evaluating of Teaching and Learning programs and curriculum planning for 2015. By the time this report hits the press, Year 12 of 2014 will have begun their HSC Examinations and completed English Papers 1 and 2. Many students have shown outstanding commitment by attending holiday tutorial sessions, and completing past papers to familiarise themselves with exam wording, structure and time constraints. This hard work will pay dividends, as strong results are sure to speak for themselves! I thank the English staff who gave freely of their time and ran English lessons over the school holiday break. While our HSC cohort of 2014 finalise their studies, our new Year 12 cohort for 2015 commence the first of their HSC topics. All of the new Year 12 begin with the Area of Study ‘Discovery.’ Considerable planning and professional learning has gone into preparing staff for this new topic, which is being taught for the very first time. To assist students in their learning, the Faculty have organised an excursion for all of Year 11 to attend a study day called ‘Discovering Discovery’ on Thursday October 23rd in the city. The cost of the day is $45. This is a compulsory event, and all students must return their permission notes and pay for this excursion by the end of week 2. Students will make their own way to and from the Wesley Centre on Pitt Street. The study day sold out very quickly, clearly indicating its value as a means of preparing students for their HSC English course. Below is a list of units that the various cohorts are studying in English this term:

Year 11 – Area of Study ‘Discovery’ (the first of their HSC units)

Year 10 – A literary period study of ‘Victorianism’

Year 9 – A literary period study of ‘Romanticism’

Year 8 – A literary study of ‘The Oral Tradition’ through ‘Australian Voices’

Year 7 – A literary study of ‘Sonnets and Soliloquies’

To all of our NHSPA community, enjoy the final school term of 2014, and thank you for your ongoing support of English.

Kirk Thomas Head Teacher English

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MATHS DEPARTMENT

Beauty of Mathematics If we assign a number to each letter in the alphabet ie A=1, B=2 etc. Then KNOWLEDGE = 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96 HARDWORK = 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98 Both are important But ATTITUDE =1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 =100” YEAR 12 STUDENTS The Maths faculty would like to praise our HSC Maths students for the effort that they have constantly put into their work and revision especially at this time of the year. It is always with pleasure that we see so many students in class from 7.30 am working and asking for help when needed. Practice is the key ingredient to HSC success. We wish you all the best in the HSC and you will be missed when you leave. These are some examples of the great work that our year 8 students have been involved in.

Year 10MA6 involved in a measurement activity

Year 8 MA5 sample of activities on area and sector graphs

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MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Continued...

NAIDOC WEEK ACTIVITY - ENLARGEMENT MURAL

There are many more examples of work samples from our students on our website. A reminder that Mathletics is a vital part of our teaching and learning at NHSPA, all students have their passwords and usernames and should be involved in Mathletics on a regular basis.

Joelle Pearn Head Teacher Maths

SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

Student Representative Council Initiatives: This year has been a great one for the SRC, kicking off the year with the Earth Festival, as well as the World’s Greatest Shave. At the annual general meeting, we brought ideas forward for both short and long-term plans our school can undertake. The Exodus Foundation was chosen as our five-year charity, and we have just finished running our Can Drive to help people in need, with students bringing in cans of food for the homeless and disadvantaged. Continuing our work with Exodus, during term 4 year 10 students will be volunteering at the Exodus Foundation soup kitchen. Various projects such as upgrading the school bathrooms have already begun, with new paint and locks, as well as larger changes being planned such as Dyson hand-dryers replacing the paper towels to save money and help the environment. The SRC are excited to announce multiple other initiatives that are currently being proposed for 2015 in future newsletters.

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DRAMA

SHOWCASE SEASON IS UPON US ONCE AGAIN

Grand Opening of the Summer Series Tuesday 18 November beginning at 7pm

Three Drama Productions will be seen in three different venues as follows: Studio Theatre - ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ (“Miranda! Miranda!”) adapted and directed by Peter Mountford; the Tripp Company’s St George’s Hall - ‘That Awkward Moment When..’ School grounds - And finally a site-specific theatre piece during interval directed by Bel Macedone.

Week 8 Tuesday 25 November and Wednesday 26 November

Four Companies will be performing the following: “The Highwayman” - an absurdist play from the Ailwood Company, performed by the Year 7 Company, directed by Judith Hoddinott; ‘The Ultimate Film Challenge’ - Fletcher Company presents a series of short films that incorporate live elements to challenge both the film making process and to show how film can go beyond the screen into the theatrical setting. “Macbeth” on Tuesday 25 and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Wednesday 26 Two Shakespeare plays from the Benson Year 10 Extension Company

Showcase Finale Seymour Centre (York Theatre)

Friday 12 December “La Belle Dame Sans Merci” - Woodroffe Company “Madame Stromberg’s Finishing School for Girls” - ex-student Garthe Holcombe Hope to see you at these shows.

Tim Ailwood Head Teacher Drama

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PDHPE DEPARTMENT

EXCURSIONS YEAR 9 SURF SCHOOL AT LONG REEF BEACH ON THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER Every year, Year 9 has the opportunity to attend a one day Surf School at Long Reef Beach on the Northern Beaches. The surf camp will enable students to develop knowledge and skills related to surf safety, surf education, surfboard riding and body boarding tailored to their individual ability.

KEY DATES YEAR 8 GALA DAY MONDAY 24 NOVEMBER

REGULAR TRAINING SESSIONS TAKING PLACE: Touch training (all years) Wednesday morning 7.45am Meet on the oval

Basketball Boys (Juniors) Tuesday morning 8am Outdoor Basketball court

Softball (Girls all years) Tuesday morning 8am Meet on the oval

Basketball Boys (Seniors) Wednesday afternoons Outdoor Basketball court

Netball (all years) Thursday morning Outdoor Court

Basketball (Girls all years) Friday morning 8am Outdoor Basketball Court

YOGA CLASSES (Year 10 and Year 11)

Yoga Classes are available to all students in Years 10 and 11 every Thursday 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Classes will run for the rest of the term. Mats are provided and the

class is open to all students. Please see Miss Reynolds if you have any questions. (Classes are run by a qualified yoga instructor)

PDHPE/SPORT SUN POLICY

For students in Years 7-10 it is compulsory to wear a hat during sport (Tuesdays) and during PE lessons (timetabled throughout the week). Students do not have to wear a

NHSPA hat however it must be suitable sports hat covering their face. Students will be offered sun cream at the beginning of each lesson however it is a good idea for stu-

dents to have a small tube of sun cream in their school bags.

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PDHPE DEPARTMENT Continued...

GALA DAY Year 7 2014 NHSPA had a very successful Gala Day with the girls taking out the Basketball and Volleyball! A big thank you to Mr Connery, Mr Klees, Mrs Bivona, Mr Thomas, Mr Tomesek, Mr Fletcher, Miss Berner, Miss Hindmarsh for assisting with organisation of the day!

Year 7 Basketball Winners & Year 10 Coaches

The winning Year 8 Girls Basketball Team with their Year 10 Coaches

KJ Shergill (Year 10) with his Year 7 Touch Football Team

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Volleyball Teams and Year 10 Coaches

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Open Girls and Boys Touch Football – Bligh Zone Gala Day Results Last Wednesday the Open Boys and Open Girls touch football teams competed in the Bligh Zone Touch Football Gala Day against a number of local schools. Both teams played extremely well and made the grand final after some outstanding round results!!!! Boys Results Newtown v SSC Leichhardt - 3-2 WIN Newtown v SSC Balmain - 5-1 WIN Newtown v Marrickville 2 - 4 LOSS Tempe v Newtown - 6-3 WIN Girls Results Newtown v SSC Leichhardt 1 -0 WIN Newtown v SSC Balmain 6 - 0 WIN Newtown v Strathfield Girls 7-0 WIN Newtown v Tempe 6-0 WIN The girls defence skills were on fire, as they did not let a try in all day! They ended up taking out the competition winning against Leichhardt 5-0. The boys narrowly went down 4-2 against Marrickville, in a very fast paced final! Thank you for Rob Hahn (HSIE practicum student) and Nial Carpenter-Kirk (past Year 12 student) who came along as referees for each team. Both teams have been training every Wednesday morning since the beginning of the year and it was great to see their skills in the five matches. I was extremely proud to be their coach!

Miss Reynolds PDHPE Head Teacher

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News from the JOURNALISM CLASS

Newtown School Heritage Architecture By Jack Wimborne

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ALARM A Learning and Responding Matrix

Improving Student Written Responses with ‘A Learning and Responding Matrix’

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts has commenced implementation of A Learning and Responding Matrix (ALARM) as a whole school teaching and learning strategy. ALARM is a system that focuses on improving student written responses, maximising achievement in assessment tasks that involve analytical writing components. Staff members across all subject areas have received training in how to use the system in their practice, and it has already been incorporated into many units of work throughout the school. A Learning and Responding Matrix is a system that has been designed to improve the quality of student written responses in classwork and assessment tasks by enabling them to more consistently develop and showcase their higher order thinking skills. The system has been implemented and refined in a number of NSW Public Schools with great success. Data demonstrates that ALARM adds a great amount of value to student achievement in the Higher School Certificate for students of all ability levels. In order to improve student written responses the system provides students with an understanding of the demands that different verbs make when students receive a question or instruction in an assessment task. It also models to students a clear and logical way to structure written responses. Alongside this, the system assists students to locate and store key information during the learning process. This information can then be arranged into an appropriate written response, teaching students how to prepare themselves for assessment tasks during learning. This is an invaluable skill that will benefit students immensely throughout their schooling and post-schooling life. ALARM is applicable to almost all subject areas, with mathematics being the only major exception. Students will subsequently utilise the system in written tasks right throughout their schooling career. This will generate a sense of continuity and familiarity for students, ultimately enabling them to produce strong, concise written responses that showcase their higher order thinking skills. ALARM will also assist students in meeting academic goals, whilst empowering them to become effective lifelong learners.

J. Taylor

King Street Newtown NSW 2042 PO Box 785 Newtown NSW 2042 Phone 02 9519 1544 Fax 9519 1657 [email protected] www.nhspa.nsw.edu.au

Dear Parents/Carers,

Oral Health habits, Knowledge and Attitudes of Adolescents Research Project

The School of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle are conducting a research project on oral health habits, knowledge and attitudes of adolescents. The research team comprises of Mr. Vitor Diogo, Dental Hygienist, supervised by Dr Janet Wallace. Project Supervisor and Associate Professor Jane Taylor OAM, Project Supervisor. The purpose of the research is to analyse the habits, knowledge and attitudes towards oral health of adolescents. Oral hygiene is often not considered as a high priority for adolescents, this can influence the knowledge and the development of behaviours conducive to good oral and general health later in life. It is fundamental to identify the habits, knowledge and attitudes that impact on adolescent’s oral health in order to develop effective health promotion strategies and programs. In order to collect this useful information, the research team will require students of all year groups (7 -11) to participate in a 10 minute anonymous survey about their habits, knowledge and attitudes towards oral health. The information collected will be used to gain an insight in the habits, knowledge and attitudes towards oral health of adolescents. The data will be utilized in research publications, university and conference presentations and as part of the Honours studies of Mr Vitor Diogo. If you do not wish your child to participate in this research, please complete the attached consent form and return it to the school. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have in regards to this survey.

Thank you. Nilaufer Rajwar Deputy Principal Date: 28th October 2014____________________________________________________ I do not consent to my child completing the survey about their habits, knowledge and attitudes towards oral health.

Name of student: _______________________________________________

Parent/Carer Name: _____________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________ Date: _____________

november 2014 issue 8 -...

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